Most ice anglers have made the switch to trying the open waters on Rainy River. The River is now open all the way to Lake of the Woods and walleye fishing has been good. Some of the best areas involve current, like below the dam at International Falls and below the rapids near Indus and Birchdale. Jigging with minnows has been working best. The launches at International Falls, Pelland Junction, Birchdale, Frontier and Vidas are all open and operating smoothly.​Birders should be thinking about a trip north. Our area offers a variety of habitat that concentrates many migrating birds in the area. Some will continue north to nest, some will settle in here, but the point is they are on the move now